2. Lose Weight—By now, we all know being overweight is a bad thing; even though 65% of us are. You know that being overweight can lead to heart disease and diabetes, but did you realize the havoc it can reek on your digestive system? It can generate problems with your gallbladder, colon, and yes, even aggravate your GERD. Those extra pounds can increase pressure in your stomach, pushing the acid upward toward the esophagus.

3. Adjust clothes and Sleeping Position—You can tell a GERD sufferer by looking at his/her bed. If the top of the bed is higher than the bottom of the bed and there are at least two or three pillows on one side of the bed, the owner of that bed probably has GERD. Night is the worst time of the day for GERD suffers, especially if you go to bed right after you eat. Always stay up at least 3 hours after you eat and prop yourself up, so that gravity is on your side. The acid stays closer to your stomach than your mouth. Also, tight fitting clothes tend to press on your stomach and create problems with reflex.

4. Quick Fixes That Work—When you are miserable, here are a few quick fixes that may help. Keep in mind, nothing actually cures GERD. These suggestions just give some immediate relief to your symptoms. Some work better for some people than others, so you may want to experiment to see which works best for you.

· Hard Candy (No chocolate or peppermint. Those two candies relax the muscle at the end of the esophagus and let in the acid). When you first begin feeling that burning in your throat or you begin coughing, pop a mild tasting hard candy in your mouth; the burning and coughing often will decrease or stop entirely. Sometimes, you may have to suck on more than one piece. Butterscotch, root beer, and mild fruit flavors are some of the best choices.

· Natural Apple Cider Vinegar— Put about a tablespoon of Natural Cider Vinegar in a glass of water and drink it slowly during your meal.

· Apples—If you don’t want to take hard candy with you, put an apple in your pocket. When the burning starts, take a bite of apple.